The Wisconsin Walleye Initiative has seen great success in boosting walleye populations statewide.

The program, developed by the Department of Natural Resources and the Governor’s office, began in 2013 to increase the number of walleye in state waters. The program provides one time funding of $2 million to state, private, and tribal fish hatcheries to expand production of large fingerling walleye. Collectively, the program uses a $12 million funding to boost walleye populations through infrastructure improvements and production grants.

Supporting the state walleye population is “great for our fishing community and it’s also great for our tourism industry and state economy,” says Governor Scott Walker. In 2013, nearly 450,000 large walleye fingerlings were stocked in 35 lakes. The Initiative is expected to produce 750,000-800,000 fingerling walleyes for stocking in 2014 and 2015, in 275 lakes statewide.